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Batista released, Lynn recalled

The Cardinals made a first move in addressing their troublesome bullpen on Wednesday, releasing veteran right-hander Miguel Batista. The club recalled right-hander Lance Lynn to take Batista’s spot on the roster. The team’s head of media relations announced the move on Twitter.

Batista, 40, made 26 appearances for the Cardinals after making the team as a non-roster invitee to Spring Training. He allowed 27 hits in 29 1/3 innings, striking out 16 against 19 walks. He has struggled mightily in recent weeks, allowing 14 runs and 11 walks in 13 1/3 innings over his past 12 appearances since mid-May.

Lynn, 24, was a supplemental first-round Draft pick in 2008 and moved up the Cardinals’ system rapidly. He’s 7-3 with a 3.84 ERA for Triple-A Memphis this year, with 64 strikeouts and 25 walks in 12 starts. Lynn has also made two starts with the Cardinals, allowing six earned runs over 10 1/3 innings.

Following a rough game on Tuesday night, the Cardinals have a bullpen ERA of 4.28, third-worst in the National League. Cardinals relievers have 13 blown saves, tied for the second-highest total in the league, and their 14 relief losses are tied for fourth-most in the league.

Personally, I would rather have seen Franklin be the first through the window, but at least The Great Defenestration is finally getting going. Last night’s game may prove a blessing in disguise if it finally gets through to these guys that the status quo is unacceptable.

Agreed. I honestly can’t believe moves hadn’t been made before now. If our bullpen had pulled through on every game they blew, the Cardinals would have the best record in baseball and would be far outstripping the Brew Crew and the Reds.

Bautista? I could think os several others I’d get rid of first. Bautista is the same as he’s been for years, no worse. Tallet sucks. Hasn’t had a good season since 2008, and this is his worst yet. Franklin is throwing up softballs. And even though Motte and Salas’ ERAs are good, they scare me every time they come in. But I guess Bautista was the easiest to get rid of. Just make sure Franklin and Tallet follow.

How many times has TLR said, “it was just one of those days” when the pen can’t throw strikes, can’t miss a hitter, or even worse, can’t miss a bat. We need a new manager, pitching coach and general manager. Everyone but the bat boy has been on the disabled list, what is wrong with this bunch?

What’s he supposed to do? Rip them? To me it’s an admirable trait. I guarantee you that what he’s saying to us at his news conferences is not what he’s saying to Mozeliak when they discuss the team.
-M.

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